Mr. Zhao is my favorite designer who designed Lava for 361 and Oasis slipper for EQLZ which can be divided from other designers’ characters. After enter Lining, he approach more about Speed TD this low-end basketball shoes. With the release of speed 11 and hunt 1 super when labeled him as a great designer who can grab some potential sneakers and leave his name in the history of basketball shoes.
The greatest character of him is aggravated and imaginable at the same time put the weight and technology to their right place, which usually lead to a ‘weight but suitable’ sneakers appearing. Meanwhile, as a Tokusatsu fan, he will add animal/monster element to sneakers sometimes which can be seen as a ‘Easter egg’.
In Speed 11, its design tendencies are positively amplified, allowing the series’ focus on explosive first-step acceleration to continue and maintain its core characteristics. The woven upper, pull-tab mid-sole, and one-piece outsole form the foundation of the "lightweight base." The few weight-increasing components are limited to the heel encircling module, mid-sole frame, and rear heel reinforcement. The structure is simple, yet efficient, with no unnecessary additions.
How to calibrate the light framework well is the key factor to determine if it can be wore comfortably. The successful works like AW 1, and the failure one like 808 4 ULTRA and SPO.
The forefoot of the Speed 11 likely uses a chemical foam material like Cloud PLUS, while the heel features an encircling soft TPU that extends to the mid-foot. This encircling TPU structure is more similar to the rear heel module of the D. Rose 1 than the "forefoot propulsion plate," focusing on stability and torsion resistance, while creating a front-low, rear-high design that sacrifices some stability.
A relatively softer frame, a more accommodating last, and insoles with less aggressive grip thanks to the ‘beng’ technology provide excellent adaptability, resulting in "easy to wear and take off," "strong stability," and "no stiff feel." These features form the solid foundation for the Speed 11's renowned comfort.
In terms of cushioning, the Speed 11 uses a full-length ‘beng’ insole combined with a rear ‘beng’ unit. Without a propulsion structure, and aiming to maintain stability, the slightly thinner ‘beng’ insole may feel insufficient for heavier players, as it sacrifices some center elevation feedback. However, the additional ‘beng’ unit in the heel allows the cushioning to achieve a "good" rating. The trade-offs made for stability and a "grounded" feel may not be ideal for heavier players or those with wide feet and high arches. The Speed 11 seems to strategically allocate the heavier player base to the Airstrike 11, offering a tactical balance.
Apart from the previously mentioned "frame" mid-sole structure, cushioning, and full-length GCU (which still performs excellently under normal conditions but struggles in damp weather), does the Speed 11 feature any new, innovative technology worth highlighting? No.
The magic of the Speed 11 lies in its ability to surprise despite its seemingly straightforward structure and configuration. Even when you expect little innovation, you're still drawn to the sleek design, the large Speed ICON on the heel, and the bold side logo creating a smooth, flowing curve. And when you put them on, the performance proves you made the right choice. There's no need for a slim, narrow silhouette or a constant emphasis on "lightweight"—these shoes make you want to push the limits as soon as you step in. This is the essence of "Speed."
